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World Chess Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame has moved to Saint Louis, from its former home in Miami

The World Chess Hall of Fame began in 1986 and is a nonprofit organization committed to building awareness for the cultural and artistic significance of chess.

The arts-based institution will present exhibitions of artistic and historical significance from collectors and nationally and internationally recognized artists. It will also offer interpretive programs, such as dance, music and art performances, that lend context and meaning to chess.

In addition, the Hall of Fame will commemorate the careers of its members. By enhancing public understanding and appreciation for chess, the Hall of Fame will serve as a catalyst for the advancement, development and understanding of the game.

The Hall of Fame is a separate entity from the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. The organizations differ in that the Club focuses on encouraging the play of the game, while the Hall of Fame will focus on the historical and socio-cultural significance of the game, as well as how that significance has been interpreted by cultures worldwide.

The Hall of Fame has moved to Saint Louis, from its former home in Miami. Situated in the heart of Saint Louis’ Central West End, the Hall of Fame is located at 4652 Maryland Avenue.

The Hall of Fame is directly across the street from the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. It opens to the public on September 9, 2011.

The first and second floor galleries will feature temporary exhibitions, which will change twice a year. The third floor gallery will display rotating objects from the permanent collection and feature the hall of fame.

Small Room

Gallery

The Hall of Fame’s permanent collection includes:

- A 5,000-year-old piece from an Egyptian game called senet, the earliest known board game

- A custom-made set of chess furniture that belonged to American Grandmaster and World Champion Bobby Fischer

- The first commercial chess computer

- A silver service awarded to Paul Morphy, American chess player and World Champion